Biomimetic ion-channel sensors based on host-guest molecular recognition in Langmuir-Blodgett membrane assemblies

Biomimetic “ion-channel sensors” based on host-guest molecular recognition were constructed by incorporating several kinds of receptor molecules in Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) molecular assemblies deposited directly on glassy carbon electrodes. The receptors used were valinomycin, bis(crown ether)s, macrocyclic polyamine and cyclodextrin polyamine. The binding of charged stimulants (metal ions, inorganic and organic anions) to these receptors induced a marked increase (or decrease) in the ion permeability of the membranes, as detected by cyclic voltammetry using [Fe(CN)₆]^4- or [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ as marker ion. Such a mode of response, corresponding to model “channel opening (or closing)”, can be explained on the basis of the charge-charge interaction involving the stimulant, marker ion and lipid.     

Two-degree-of-freedom robust speed controller for high-performancerolling mill drives

A scheme is presented for the speed control of rolling mill drives. The proposed speed controller is based on a two-degree-of-freedom (TDF) structure and uses an observer-based state feedback compensator for the major control loop. The control method yields a robust system with respect to system uncertainties and modeling errors and is very effective for vibration suppression. Experimental verification was carried out on a prototype rolling mill minimodel system. The experimental drive system has a three-mass-model structure (motor-gear-load) connected by low stiffness shafts. The mechanical resonances and the inertia ratios between the motor, gear, and load are comparable to those of an actual rolling mill system (resonant frequencies are at 17.4 Hz and 51.3 Hz). The proposed scheme was compared to the conventional PI controller and the performance of each scheme is presented. A high closed loop speed bandwidth was obtained with the proposed TDF speed controller     

Bioelectromagnetics researches in Japan for human protection from electromagnetic field exposures

Research works on bioelectromagnetics in Japan are reviewed with a focus on the efforts devoted to the issue of human protection from electromagnetic field (EMF) exposures. History of this issue in Japan is briefly reviewed first for all EMF spectra. Then research works on radiofrequency (RF) EMF are summarized in more detail. The RF studies reviewed are mainly conducted in the framework of research program by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) started in 1997. Because of this program, collaborations between biology/medicine and engineering have been promoted. The results consistently show no evidence against the safety of RF‐EMF within the exposure levels of internationally accepted guidelines. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Technology interaction of Electrical Engineering

The paper reviews the global activities of the Technical Committee for History of Electrical Engineering (HEE) in Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan (IEEJ) to discuss its future activities. Introducing HEE global activities in the Maui Meeting (MM) and International Conference on Electrical Engineering (ICEE), the paper discusses the framework of the International Joint Study Programme for History of Technology Interaction (IJSP/HTI) on the basis of its current study conducted by the Investigation Committee for International Joint Study for History of Technology Interaction (IC/HTI). It concludes the discussion with the view that the study of history could serve as a foundation for us to achieve global contributions in the field of engineering as well. © 2006 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Recycling Technology for a Recycling Society and the Consumer's Expected Consciousness: Recycling from the Viewpoint of Four Items of Home Appliances

The concept of ‘recycling’ was adopted to solve the overuse of resources by mass production and mass consumption of products in the 20th century. In the latter half of the 20th century, all companies started recycling activities slowly but positively, and some of them established their own recycling plants. This article introduces the processes through which used home appliances are made into materials (for reuse), and the machines, facilities, and methods for such reuse, as well as the results of their actual application by the study of a recycling plant. It is expected that this article would motivate the readers for recycling and to consider and feel what we, consumers, should do. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The effect of an electric field on boiling heat transfer ofrefrigerant-11-boiling on a single tube

The effect of an electric field on boiling refrigerant R-11 was investigated experimentally. The test section consisted of a flat plate and a single tube with several rows of electrode wire. The influence of refrigerant oil, the surface roughness of the test tube, and polarity of an applied voltage on the heat transfer performance were studied. The following results were obtained: as the applied voltage increased, the number of boiling bubbles decreased but the heat transfer coefficient increased; no deterioration of heat by the oil contamination occurred; and the polarity of the applied voltage affected the boiling heat transfer     

Morphological and Genetic Diversities of Habenaria radiata (Orchidaceae) in the Kinki Area,Japan

Floral organs have evolved from leaves for reproduction, and the morphological analyses help to understand the plant diversity and evolution. Habenaria radiata (syn. Pecteilis radiata) is a terrestrial orchid living in wetlands in Japan, Russia, South Korea, and China. The habitats of this plant in Japan have been reduced because of environmental destruction and overexploitation, and thus it is on the Red List of Japan as a Near Threatened species. One of the three petals of the H. radiata flower is called a lip or labellum, which resembles a flying white bird, egret, or white heron, with its proposed function being to attract pollinators. To understand the diversity of H. radiata plants in different areas, we examined the lip morphology and phylogeny of populations from eight habitats in the Kinki area, Japan. The complex shapes of the lips were quantified and presented as a radar chart, enabling characterization of the morphological difference among populations. Phylogenetic analysis with microsatellite markers that we generated showed the variation of genetic diversity among populations, suggesting the different degrees of inbreeding, outbreeding, and vegetative propagation. Our approach offers a basic method to characterize the morphological and genetic diversity in natural populations.     

Synthesis and photo-induced solution properties of new rigid-rod polyimides

A series of new, substituted pyromellitic dianhydrides were synthesized from 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene. New soluble rigid-rod polyimides were obtained from the dianhydrides and 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4′-biphenyl (PFMB) in phenolic solvents in the presence of isoquinoline as a catalyst. The polyimides are soluble in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), m-cresol and other solvents, in spite of having no bending in their rigid structures.

UV irradiation changed color of the polyimide solutions and also their viscosity. We observed new absorbance in the 700-nm region and an ESR signal by UV irradiation. The new visible absorbance and the ESR signal are derived from the same origin. They are attributed to the anion radical of the diimide moiety in the polyimide as deduced from the hyper fine structure of the ESR signal. In addition, UV irradiation diminishes the solution viscosity.     

The effects of ce additions on the high temperature corrosion behavior of Fe-30Cr-5Al alloy in 80 Pet Na2SO4-20 Pct NaCI molten salt

High temperature corrosion tests in 80 pct Na₂SO₄-20 pct NaCI were made on five Fe-30 wt pct Cr-5 wt pct Al alloys containing various amounts of cerium up to 0.68 pct. After the corrosion tests, samples were examined metallographically and by X-ray diffraction and X-ray microanalysis. It was found that the surface scale formed on each sample decreased in thickness as the Ce content increased. Electron probe microanalyses suggest that this retarding behavior is related to the early formation of a Ce-induced protective scale of α-Al₂O₃. The role of Ce in promoting the formation of the α-Al₂O₃ scale is discussed.